Karthick was amusing himself watching the hectic activities taking place downstairs. Being just above 20 years could often be an awkward situation in life where it is equally difficult to play around with the younger ones or spending some time with the older lot. However, his young blood kept warming him up occasionally to have a close look at those colorful females who kept filling the hall with grace and glamour. Almost all the women seemed to be competing with each other in exhibiting their extravagant silk sarees although he could realize that they were feeling the discomfort on such a sultry day. He smiled to himself as everyone pretended to be doing something worthwhile by rushing from one corner of the house to another. Most of the guests were either related to his Dad or Mom and they were as a matter of fact rendering some festivity to the house. While the kids preferred to spend their time playing in the garden, the senior citizens had resorted to their share of petty gossips and there were a couple of groups engrossed in playing cards. The marriage hall was buzzing with lots of activity and noise all around. Kamali, Karthick's younger sister was getting married the next day.
"Don't worry young man," a female voice shook up Karthick. "Your marriage isn't far away."
Karthick turned around and smiled. It was Revathi, his Dad's only sister. She looked somewhat a world apart from the other female members with a neat chiffon saree and just a single rose decorating her long hair brushing against her waist.
"Don't frighten me," He said laughingly. "I am content being a single."
"Ah, I know," Revathi exclaimed with a mischievous smile. "You are too handsome to get into any encumbrances so soon."
"Not really," Karthick laughed. "I am just looking for the right sort of girl."
"That's a pity," Revathi got closer as she spoke. "It's going to be a bit difficult to find a suitable mate for a cute boy like you."
Karthick laughed aloud and offered a seat to Revathi. She was wearing a sleeveless blouse revealing her cushy smooth right arms completely. She settled down on a chair close to him and flashed a smile at him.
"Your mother was telling about some girl," She queried with curiosity.
"You mean Priti?" Karthick quipped. "She is just a friend."
"Just a friend?" Revathi's eyes rolled as if she couldn't believe what she just heard.
"Of course," Karthick retorted with a smile. "Nothing more and nothing less."
"I hope it is as simple as it sounds," Revathi said. "You are simply good looking and it won't be a problem to find a nice girl"
"I hope so," Karthick replied while his eyes were well settled on his aunt.
"I wish I had a daughter," Revathi said with a touch of genuine regret in her tone. "I wouldn't think even for a second to make you my son-in-law."
Karthick laughed aloud and said, "It is too late now."
As a matter of fact Revathi's family was well known among the family circles for their looks. Her husband resembled a popular Hindi movie star while both of their sons were considered as the most handsome amongst the whole family tree. There were times when Karthick had envied his cousins. "It is too late to dream as well," Revathi spoke again bringing an abrupt end to his ongoing imagination.
It was one of those moments where a naughty boy could crack a few jokes with a woman twice his age. Anyway, Revathi has always been some sort of a progressive woman although she hadn't dumped all the conventional virtues into the trash. She was sportive, humorous and outspoken to the core. Naturally, she always jelled well amongst the male members more than the fairer sex. Karthick was very much aware that most of the female members in the family circle branded her as a 'flirt'.
"You can't reverse the past," Karthick spoke with a gentle sigh. "If I have an option to rewind my past, I would rather think of better options."
"What are those?"
Karthick preferred not to reply as he wasn't sure how she would respond. He realized that he wasn't able to take off his eyes from his gorgeous aunt and the brief conversation had induced a strange feeling about her. He had managed to carry their relationships with dignity for long until strange feelings about Revathi crept in his mind just a few months ago.
"There is no reason for you to hesitate," Revathi spoke in an assuring tone. "We are away from the crowd and I really want to know what is in your mind."
Karthick smiled nervously as he couldn't gather the courage to come out with any honest reply. He soon found out that her eyes were probing into him and after a few delicate moments, he had to take his eyes off from his aunt.
"I can see you are nervous," Revathi giggled. "But I know what is bothering you."
Karthick wasn't unduly surprised as he had always considered Revathi a very smart woman. He had been staring at her for so long that there was every possibility that she might have observed where his eyes were straying.
"Kamali is getting married tomorrow," Revathi paused for a moment before continuing to speak looking straight into his eyes. "That is worrying you."
Karthick was somewhat amused at her remarks as he began laughing.
"I haven't finished yet," Revathi smiled as she continued. "She is two years younger than you and I know you need to wait for at least another two years for your marriage."
Karthick froze at once as Revathi had hit the nail right on its head. His eyes widened as he listened to his aunt with rapt attention.
"She is now exposed to marital relationship and sex at a very young age. But, you have to wait for some time for your turn."